Southern Potato Salad Recipe
Southern Potato Salad is the ultimate comfort dish that somehow manages to steal the spotlight at every cookout, picnic, and family reunion. Creamy, tangy, and loaded with tender potatoes, a hint of crunch, and pops of briny sweetness, this beloved classic has a way of conjuring up memories of summer gatherings, laughter, and second helpings. Whether you’re making it for a holiday table or a simple backyard meal, this Southern Potato Salad is as bright and welcoming as a sunny afternoon in June—and I promise you, it disappears fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list fool you! Southern Potato Salad relies on a handful of simple pantry staples and fresh flavors. Each ingredient brings its own little burst of taste, texture, or color that all blend together into the creamy, dreamy salad everyone loves.
- Potatoes: Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes make the ideal starchy, creamy base. Peel and cut them into chunks for even cooking.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy glue that holds everything together and makes each bite luxuriously rich.
- Yellow mustard: Adds tang and that signature sunshine-yellow color that screams “classic Southern!”
- Apple cider vinegar: Just a splash wakes everything up with bright, subtle acidity.
- Sugar: A little bit goes a long way to balance out the sharpness and round out the flavors.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—don’t skip or skimp!
- Black pepper: Adds a light spicy note and finish.
- Hard-boiled eggs: Their buttery texture and flavor add richness and make this salad extra satisfying.
- Celery: Finely diced celery brings a crisp crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft potatoes.
- Red onion: A touch of zing and color for interest both in flavor and looks.
- Sweet pickle relish: Adds sweet, tangy notes and tiny pops of flavor.
- Paprika (optional): Just a sprinkle on top before serving makes this salad party-perfect in seconds.
How to Make Southern Potato Salad
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by placing your peeled and chunked potatoes in a big pot, then covering them completely with cold water. Bring the pot up to a lively boil over high heat—this evenly cooks every piece. Once boiling, turn down the heat and simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re aiming for fork-tender potatoes, soft but still holding their shape. Drain and let them cool just enough to handle—you want them warm when they meet the dressing for maximum flavor absorption!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. This creamy base is truly the backbone of any Southern Potato Salad, each ingredient harmonizing to build that signature tangy, rich flavor we all crave.
Step 3: Combine Potatoes and Dressing
Add your warm, tender potatoes directly into the mixing bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together to coat each piece without mashing the potatoes too much—unless you prefer it extra creamy, in which case, a little mashing is totally allowed!
Step 4: Stir In the Good Stuff
Now for the main event: scatter in your chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced celery, finely chopped red onion, and sweet pickle relish. Give everything another gentle mix, making sure all those colorful bits are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning as you like—sometimes an extra pinch of salt or splash of vinegar is all you need to make it perfect.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Scoop the salad into a serving dish, cover, and chill it for at least an hour before serving. This crucial step lets the flavors mingle and settle, making your Southern Potato Salad even more delicious. Just before serving, sprinkle with a little paprika for color and a hint of warm flavor.
How to Serve Southern Potato Salad
Garnishes
Top your Southern Potato Salad with a classic sprinkle of paprika, slices of extra hard-boiled egg, or even a handful of thinly sliced green onions. These simple touches add vibrant color, subtle flavor, and that wow factor every potluck plate deserves.
Side Dishes
Southern Potato Salad is the perfect companion to a spread of main dishes. Pair it with barbecue favorites like smoked pulled pork, fried chicken, or juicy ribs. It also balances out grilled burgers and sandwiches beautifully—no summertime menu is complete without it on the table!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fresh twist, serve Southern Potato Salad scooped into crisp lettuce cups for easy, hand-held party bites. Or, pile it high on a platter family-style and add a scattering of pickled jalapeños, dill sprigs, or even crispy bacon for a festive touch. Kids will love it layered in mason jars for a cute picnic look!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any extra Southern Potato Salad to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making it great for meal prep or quick snacks. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to refresh the texture.
Freezing
While technically possible, freezing is not recommended for Southern Potato Salad. Mayonnaise-based dressings tend to separate and turn watery after thawing, which affects creaminess and texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh, or within a few days of making.
Reheating
This dish is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If the salad seems a bit firm straight from the fridge, let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving—no actual reheating is needed!
FAQs
What makes Southern Potato Salad different from other potato salads?
Southern Potato Salad gets its distinct flavor from yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, and hard-boiled eggs, which aren’t always found in other styles. The combination of tangy, creamy, and sweet notes sets it apart as a classic Southern side dish.
Can I use another type Side Dish
Absolutely! While Yukon Golds and Russets are most traditional (for their creamy texture), you can swap in red potatoes or even baby golds if you prefer. Just avoid waxy potatoes, which don’t absorb the dressing as well.
Is Southern Potato Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your mayonnaise and condiments are, too. It’s a safe, crowd-pleasing option for guests with dietary restrictions.
How long does Southern Potato Salad need to chill?
At least an hour is ideal, but overnight is even better. The extra time lets the potatoes fully soak up the flavors, resulting in a salad that’s even tastier on day two.
Can I add extra ingredients, like bacon or green onions?
Of course! Southern Potato Salad is wonderfully adaptable. Add crisp bacon for a smoky touch, sliced green onions for a fresh pop, or even a spoonful of chopped dill pickles for some bite. Make it yours!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something nostalgic and outright joyful about a freshly made Southern Potato Salad. If you’ve never made it from scratch, now is the perfect time to let this creamy, tangy, and utterly comforting dish become a tradition in your own kitchen. Share it with loved ones, and watch how quickly it disappears!
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Southern Potato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Potato Salad recipe is a classic side dish perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering. Creamy, tangy, and flavorful, it’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches.
Ingredients
Potato Salad:
- 3 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
- 1/2 cup celery (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- Optional: paprika for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–12 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and cool slightly.
- Make Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add warm potatoes to the dressing, mix gently. Stir in eggs, celery, red onion, and pickle relish.
- Chill and Serve: Adjust seasoning, refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Garnish with paprika before serving.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, mash a few potatoes slightly while mixing.
- Add chopped dill pickles or green onions for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
